Georgia-Lee Joanna is Miss Trinidad and Tobago World 2025

THE Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) radiated with elegance, colour and national pride on December 7, as 19 young women took the stage for the Miss TT World 2025 grand finale.

By the end of an evening defined by grace, determination and purpose, 24-year-old Georgia-Lee Joanna Gill emerged as the new Miss TT World – securing her place as the country’s representative for the Miss World 2026 international competition.

The win marked the culmination of a four-month journey of development, service and transformation for Gill, who represented the Borough of Arima with distinction. It also marked a rare moment in recent pageant history according to national pageant director Charu Lochan Dass, Gill is the first winner in years to clinch the national crown without winning any of the fast-track events, though she did earn the heartfelt vote of her peers as Miss Congeniality.

Gill comes to the national title with a reputation for discipline, warmth and a mission grounded in empathy. A passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, she has anchored her life’s work in three defining principles – education, empowerment and evolution. Guided by these values, she hopes to inspire young citizens to be bold, embrace opportunities and chase their dreams relentlessly.

Her academic and leadership record reflect the same drive. A former head girl of St Francois Girls’ College, Gill went on to earn a double major in biology and biochemistry from The UWI, St Augustine. Today, she serves as a manager at GPO Hair and Supplies, where she continues to uplift young people while blending leadership with creativity.

From an impressive cohort that originally numbered 20 before the temporary withdrawal of Miss Aranguez, Gill advanced to the top five alongside Suana Sookdeo (Miss Chaguanas), Taylor Burns (Miss Diego Martin), Anna-Lisa John (Miss St James) and Chanique Marcelin (Miss Tobago).

Ultimately, the judges selected the final three – Gill, first runner-up Marcelin and second runner-up Sookdeo.

The judging panel included former Miss World 1986 Giselle Laronde-West, Miss TT World 981 Rachel Telemaque and multi-platform beauty ambassador Tya Jane Remy, who represented TT at both the Miss World 2019 and Miss Universe 2022.

This year’s delegates, representing communities from Barrackpore to Mayaro, Tobago to Petit Valley, embarked on intensive training and mentorship programme after their public reveal on August 17. Their preparation spanned fitness, modelling, communication, protocol, talent, media engagement and social media etiquette.

But more importantly, each delegate undertook community-centred work as part of the Miss World movement’s signature pillar, Beauty With a Purpose. Their projects touched lives across TT through environmental initiatives, youth mentorship, literacy development and support for vulnerable families.

Lochan Dass, reflecting on Gill’s victory, praised her for her consistency and authenticity:

“Throughout the entire competition – including every sub-competition – Georgia-Lee demonstrated unwavering commitment, excellence and true all-round ability. On the final night, she clearly proved to the judges that she is the best delegate to represent not only our beautiful country, but also the core values of Miss World – a woman of compassion, purpose, integrity and impact. She truly embodies the essence of ‘Beauty With a Purpose.’”

Dass also commended outgoing national representative Anna-Lise Nanton, whose tenure she said, helped elevate the Miss TT World platform through her dedication and poise.

The finale featured three dynamic stage segments – cocktail wear supported by Micles, resort wear produced by designer Adiola and evening gowns by Kooti’s Clothing. These appearances gave the judges insight into each delegate’s confidence, individuality and stage management.

The final assessment drew from three primary criteria – stage presence and management, professionalism and confidence and internationalism.

These modern benchmarks reflect the evolving global standards of the Miss World organisation – standards Gill is now tasked to meet on the world stage, Lochan Dass explained.

As TT anticipates the announcement of the Miss World 2026 date and location, Lochan-Dass said excitement is already building around Gill’s journey to the global arena. Her victory symbolises more than a personal triumph – it marks the rise of a new national ambassador shaped by service, intellect and heart.

On a night that celebrated not just beauty but purpose, Gill stood out as the embodiment of the Miss World message. With a crown now resting on her shoulders and a nation rallying behind her, she steps forward ready to represent TT with dignity, courage and the unwavering belief that purposeful action can change lives.